City of Bloomington

For the first time, the City of Bloomington is regulating an industry that it says has been a source for sex trafficking and other illicit behavior. Two massage therapists share their views on the new regulations.

The draft of a new McLean County Land Use Plan suggests future growth will largely happen on the fringes of Bloomington and Normal.

Bloomington's city manager says the newly-passed massage business ordinance will do more than help shut down illicit businesses.

The Miller Park Zoo is welcoming a baby giant anteater. The pup entered the world in the early morning hours of June 16. Mother and pup are doing well.

The purchase of a Connect Transit lot in Bloomington keeps shelter village construction on schedule and within budget.

Bloomington city leaders remain optimistic a modified plan to regulate massage businesses will still strengthen efforts to prevent human trafficking, despite the removal of an annual fee intended to fund investigations.

Human trafficking cases are on the rise in Central Illinois, according to a survivor's advocate. Carol Merna from the Center for Prevention of Abuse says the increase in reported victims is likely due to greater awareness about human trafficking, either through commercial sex or forced labor.

Bloomington is dropping the proposed licensing fees that massage establishments would have to pay to operate in the city. City staff had proposed a $250 annual fee to cover the cost of investigating the businesses to address concerns about sex trafficking.

Shriners Children's hosted a "Hospital Experience" event ahead of a football game benefiting the children's hospital with locations in St. Louis and Chicago.

G.E. Road in Bloomington is getting resurfaced this summer from Veterans Parkway to Towanda Barnes Road, and construction has already begun.